Peel Me A Grape (G.Stone)

Written by jazz lyricist and pianist Dave Frishberg in 1962, "Peel Me a Grape" stands as one of the quintessential witty, cynical, and sophisticated jazz-cabaret standards of the 20th century. Though initially recorded by Frishberg himself, the tune achieved legendary status through iconic vocal interpretations by Diana Krall and Anita O'Day, cementing its place in the modern vocal jazz canon. Its lyric-driven narrative blends deadpan humor with a luxurious, high-maintenance attitude, making it a brilliant vehicle for a charismatic vocalist backed by a powerhouse jazz orchestra. George Stone’s brilliant big band chart transforms this clever, tongue-in-cheek classic into a masterclass of subtle, sophisticated swing. Set in a sultry, laid-back medium-swing groove, the arrangement drips with sly harmonic color and restrained intensity. Stone avoids the trap of a bombastic backing track, instead treating the ensemble as an organic, breathing counter-melody machine. The mood is playfully sultry, evoking a smoky 1950s supper club while utilizing rich, extended 20th-century harmonies that give the chart a distinctly contemporary edge. The dynamic arc builds intelligently, moving from intimate, rhythm-section-backed vocal verses into lush sax solis and a tightly coiled, brass-driven shout chorus that never loses its sardonic wink. Stone’s signature arranging style shines through his meticulous voice-leading and transparent horn writing. The woodwinds are frequently deployed in tight, high-register clusters that shimmer behind the vocal line, while the brass punctuates with muted stabs and warm, fat chordal voicings. The arrangement highlights a gorgeous sax soli section that reinterprets the verse harmony with gorgeous chromatic passing tones before opening up for a featured instrumental solo. Rhythmically, the chart demands impeccable time-feel: the backbeat must be relaxed yet driving, requiring the rhythm section to lock into an authentic pocket that supports the vocal delivery without rushing. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands will find this chart an exceptionally rewarding addition to a concert or festival program. While the technical demands on individual players are moderate, the true challenge—and reward—lies in the ensemble cohesion, dynamic control, and stylistic nuance required to execute Stone's sophisticated voicings. It provides a premier showcase for a strong jazz vocalist looking to captivate an audience with sophisticated humor and undeniable groove. Conductors should prioritize a relaxed, confident medium-swing feel, cautioning the rhythm section against dragging or rushing the quarter-note pulse. The primary technical challenge lies in the dynamic balance between the vocal soloist and the 17-piece ensemble; Stone’s rich, extended harmonies require the horns to maintain impeccable soft-to-medium dynamics so the vocal line never has to force. Pay close attention to articulation markings in the saxophones and brass—short notes must be crisp and dry, while sustained lines require a warm, connected legato. Trumpets and trombones should utilize cup or basket mutes where indicated to achieve the authentic, breathy supper-club texture essential to the chart's aesthetic. Rehearsal should begin with the rhythm section establishing a locked-in, laid-back groove before layering in the horn sections to balance the intricate chord clusters. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: This 47-page publication includes a full conductor score and individual parts for a standard 17-instrument big band: 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of George Stone's arrangement of "Peel Me a Grape"? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced-intermediate to advanced, making it ideal for skilled high school, collegiate, and professional jazz orchestras that excel at ensemble blend and stylistic subtlety. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of this piece? A: Written by Dave Frishberg in 1962 and later popularized by vocalists like Diana Krall, this chart is set in a sultry, sophisticated medium-swing jazz style centered on witty storytelling and rich harmonic textures. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by George Stone unique? A: Stone elevates a cabaret-style vocal standard into a sophisticated big band masterclass by utilizing lush woodwind clusters, clever dynamic phrasing, and a tightly controlled, sardonic shout chorus. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel for this chart? A: The arrangement is set at a relaxed, sultry medium-swing tempo (approx. 112-120 BPM) and typically runs between 4 to 5 minutes depending on solo extensions.